Summary

Describes the germination and early growth of Megarrhiza about which AG has been misinformed. The tubular petioles act functionally like a root.

Ipomoea did not germinate.

Summary

Replies to EK’s queries about German translation of CD’s preface to Erasmus Darwin.

Summary

Sends seed attached to breast feathers of a heron that had been shot.

Summary

Germination of Delphinium and Megarrhiza.

Summary

Thanks EH for copy of book [Das System der Medusen (1879)].

Summary

SB has decided to lay the matter [the subject of 12393 and 12396] before the public and has written to the Athenæum stating the facts. [Athenæum 31 Jan 1880.]

Summary

Asa Gray wants seeds of a variety of cotton known as vine cotton.

Summary

Thanks CD for giving money to the children. Is going to give money to Bessy, but not invest it until she is really rich. Returns Butler’s letter. Thinks Butler is looking for a grievance to write an article about.

Summary

Sorry to hear of his illness.

On his visit to J. F. McLennan, GHD might tell him that CD thinks A. R. Wallace would work up McLennan’s materials conscientiously.

Summary

Asks CD to write his opinion of the views expressed in "Die Darwin’sche Theorie und die Landwirtschaft" in his journal, Reunion.

Summary

Thanks for letter of 18th January 1880 and for present of Essays. Interested in Welcker’s investigation of the 'ligamentum teres', and his comment on the feet of the Chinese.

Will esteem it an honour if Welcker dedicates his next book to him.

Summary

Comments on JHF’s book [Souvenirs entomologiques (1879)].

Discusses story told by Erasmus Darwin about a wasp cutting off wings of fly.

Sorry JHF is opposed to descent theory.

Suggests experiment concerning insects’ sense of direction.

Summary

Can well understand WN’s new life. WN’s departure a heavy loss.

Summary

Advises against making any reply to Samuel Butler’s charges.

Summary

Has shown S. Butler’s Athenæum letter to Frederick Pollock, who confirms RBL’s advice that it needs no answer. Sends an imaginary response by Butler.

Summary

Asks THH to advise him about a response to Samuel Butler’s attack accusing CD of dishonesty. Quotes the advice of others but will do what THH advises.

Summary

WZS, 12-year-old pupil, asks where he can find answer to question of what causes different shades of colour in inhabitants of earth.

Summary

Thanks RBL for advice [concerning dispute with Samuel Butler]. Notes reaction of family.

Summary

Says it is not likely he will be able to criticise GJR’s work.

Recommends Jean-Henri Fabre, Souvenirs entomologiques [1879].

Encloses letters from J. F. Moulton [12350 and 12356].

Summary

Germination of Megarrhiza. AG’s observations at variance with CD’s.